Irsay Addresses Manning/Luck Situation

[jdoggmms]

As a huge Peyton Manning fan, I hope he can fully recover and continue to perform at a high level for the next 3 years or so. I am also a huge Andrew Luck fan, and he is undoubtedly ready to start for an NFL team now. Any grooming would be a waste of time. I believe he is the most NFL-prepared QB in the history of the game.

That said, the bigger issue with the Colts is their entire roster is designed to succeed only with an experienced mastermind playcaller behind center i.e. Peyton. It's not just the offense, who is accustomed to the complex audibles (protection, checks, etc) that only he can execute comfortably. The entire defense is built to protect a lead, with the speed rushers and soft cover 2 scheme. Everything is based on an ultra efficient offensive machine.

It will take at least 3 years to build a more conventional roster around Luck, who would be better suited to run a different style offense that caters to his physical athletic gifts (not that he is incapable of running a cerebral, impromptu scheme - reading defenses is probably one of his biggest advantages over other young QBs). The fact is, nobody (not Brady, Rodgers, or Brees) can run that specific offense the way Manning does.

The best thing for the Colts is to publicly state they are drafting Luck with the first pick and that it is not available in trade. Then, a few days before the draft, trade the pick to Miami for as much as they can get - at least their first round pick, next year's first, either Vontae Davis (a good, cheap corner) or Matt Moore (a competent insurance policy for Peyton), and a 3rd rounder? Finally, hire Bill Cowher to run the show.

I have no affinity for the Dolphins, but I think this type of move would greatly benefit them as well. Luck would get out of the gates running with the good offensive line there anchored by Long and Pouncey. Plus, he would have talented skill position players to work with.

Anyway, all we can do is wait and see how everything plays out.

[Route Collectors]

Like most of you know my blood is Colts blue.
I love the thought of Cowher in Indy. That's a bigger issue than the QB question.
Caldwell needs to go. Only Dungy can be Dungy.
The clone train derailed a long time ago.

Here's my top 5 reasons why the Colts will DEFINITELY keep Manning if he's healthy.

1) Mannings total body of work...obvious
2) Tim Couch
3) David Carr
3) Alex Smith
4) JaMarcus Russell

Andrew Luck may end his NFL career as one of the best at his positions but........

......similar comments were made of all the above #1 QB picks since Manning entered the league. I wonder how the Colts would look cutting a healthy Manning and dealing with the next Alex Smith for 5 or so years.
Isn't that how the Bengals became.... uhm the Bengals.
Do the names Akili Smith or David Klingler ring a bell?
Don't get me wrong, I'm not against Andrew Luck but he hasn't done anything at this level yet and based on the above mentioned players, there's no guarantee he will.
Here's what will happen IMO if Manning can still play:

Colts WILL draft Luck and keep Peyton proving once and for all that Archie doesn't run the show.
It's more likely the Colts don't re-sign Mathis since they always neglect the defense.

Manning will be back in 2012...it will be business as usual...needing to score 26+ a game to outgun the opposition.

Jim Irsay has been a good owner. He will do what's right by Peyton..the city and the fans.

[ December 15, 2011, 03:54 PM: Message edited by: Route C ]

[renman]

Route C,

Could not agree more. If Manning can play, he needs to stay and Luck needs to be used as a tool to "re-tool" that team for a title run over the next couple/few years.

Luck may be the second coming... But we do not know. Peyton IS one of the top QB's to ever play the game.

The two of them on the same team creates a mess for everyone in my opinion.

[Greg Ambrosius]

This is an interesting read on the health of Peyton Manning:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/w ... &eref=sihp